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It’s a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors! You’re going to find these Rolo pretzel turtle bites incredibly easy to make and you’re also going to love how they taste. Salty, crunchy pretzels are topped with a chocolate caramel candy and then a pecan half on top to make these cute little 3-ingredient treats that nobody will be able to stop snacking on. Pretzel turtles are one of the easiest treats you’ll ever make!
This simple 3-ingredient recipe is well worth making and might become a new favorite. The pretzel turtle bites are so quick and simple to make.
Are you a pretzel fan? You could also try Christmas pretzel Rolo bites, reindeer Rolo pretzels, or what about these caramel apple pretzel bites?
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: You only need 3 ingredients and a spare 10 minutes to make Rolo pretzel turtles.
A great flavor: Salty pretzel pairs with sweet chocolate Rolo and a pecan half for a snack that has a pleasing trio of flavors and textures.
Kid-friendly: This is a recipe everyone will love, especially the little ones!
Rolo Pretzel Turtle Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pretzel snaps: I like to use the snaps (square pretzels) but mini twists, waffles (the round ones), pretzel crisps, or pretzel flats will work.
Rolos: This chocolate candy offers a sweet flavor and sticks to the pretzel and the pecan half to hold the treats together.
Pecan halves: For topping the Rolo pretzel turtles. Don’t use chopped pecans – you need the halves because they resemble a turtle shell!
How to Make Pecan Rolo Pretzel Bites
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Line a baking sheet: Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet or cookie sheet, so the Rolo pretzel turtles don’t stick.
Arrange the pretzels on a baking sheet: Arrange them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake them: Top each pretzel with an unwrapped Rolo candy and bake in the preheated oven for a few minutes until you have softened chocolate.
Add the pecans: Press half a nut on top of each melted Rolo while the chocolate is still soft.
Let them set: Let them set fully and serve.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels and gluten-free candies.
Rolos: Any Rolos will work. I used milk chocolate ones. You could sub caramel squares and a drizzle of melted chocolate instead, or try caramel Hershey kisses, Dove chocolate caramels or Riesen candies instead.
Pecan halves: Use walnuts, macadamias, cashews, or almonds if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
With other sweet treats: Serve the pretzel turtles with apple pie cupcakes, gumdrop nougat or divinity candy.
As a snack with coffee: Enjoy them with a shaken oat milk espresso or beverage of choice. They’re good with hot chocolate too.
As part of a dessert platter: Serve them with a Polar Express dessert board.
How to Store Pretzel Turtles
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze: Don’t freeze them (nobody likes soggy pretzels!)
Top Tips
Don’t let them stick: Don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper so the pretzel turtle bites don’t stick.
Toast the nuts: Toast the pecans in a hot, dry skillet first, to make them crunchier and nuttier.
Don’t overbake: Don’t let the Rolos melt. You just want them to soften, so keep an eye on them.
Make extra: These disappear fast. It’s easy enough to double or triple the recipe.
Speedy setting: Pop them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting time.
Pretzel Turtle Bites FAQs
If you’re starting with room temperature Rolos, they’ll take 2 to 3 minutes. If you’re using refrigerated Rolos, they might need an extra minute.
Not a pretzel fan? You can use mini cookies and use salted pecans (so you still get that great sweet and salty mix!)
Sure! They can arrange the pretzels on the baking sheet, press the pecans into the Rolos and, of course, do the “taste test” afterwards!
Rolo Pretzel Turtle Candy Recipe
Pretzel Turtle Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 48 pretzel snaps
- 48 pecan halves
- 48 Rolos, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pretzels on the tray in a single layer, spacing them an inch apart.
- Top each one with an unwrapped Rolo.
- Bake for 2 to 4 minutes, just until the chocolate has softened. Don’t over-bake – the Rolos should hold their shapes and not be completely melted.
- Take the pretzels out of the oven and top each one with a pecan half immediately (while the chocolate is soft). Gently press down into the Rolo so it sticks.
- Let the pretzel bites set completely before serving.
Notes
Toast the nuts: Toast the pecans in a hot, dry skillet first, to make them crunchier and nuttier.
Don’t overbake: Don’t let the Rolos melt. You just want them to soften, so keep an eye on them.
Make extra: These disappear fast. It’s easy enough to double or triple the recipe.
Speedy setting: Pop them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting time.
Nutrition
These pretzel turtles are so cute. They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring only 3 ingredients. The salty and sweet taste of the pretzels paired with Rolo candies is so good and the pecans add a nice nutty flavor to the little snacks. So, if you crave both a sweet treat and a salty treat, easy pretzel turtles offer a creative combo of both!
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
These were so easy to make and disappeared in no time!